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FAT-FREE MASS INDEX AND BONE MINERAL DENSITY: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ELITE FEMALE ATHLETES AND ACTIVE FEMALES

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fat free mass index (FFMI) and bone mineral density (BMD) are often used as health and functionality indicators; however normative data only exist in sedentary adults. Determining if a difference in FFMI and BMD exists between elite female athletes and active females may enhance body composition assessments to identify injury risk and inform training and nutritional guidance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate FFMI and BMD in both recreationally active females and Division I collegiate female athletes. METHODS: Data were analyzed for 82 NCAA Division I collegiate female athletes (mean±SD; age: 20.2±1.4 yrs, height: 164.9±5.8 cm, percent body fat: 22.5±3.9%), and 191 recreationally active women (>2 hrs of weekly exercise; age: 20.5±1.7 yrs, height: 165.1±6.4 cm, percent body fat: 29.4±5.2%). Body composition was measured using a whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan to evaluate LM (kg) and BMD (g/cm2). FFMI (kg/m2) was calculated based on total LM (kg), divided by height (m2). Descriptive statistics were applied to characterize the sample. Independent sample t-tests were used to evaluate between groups differences for FFMI and BMD. RESULTS: FFMI values were significantly higher in female athletes (16.5±1.5 kg/m2; range: 13.4-20.6 kg/m2) compared to active females (15.5±1.6 kg/m2, 12.9-23.4 kg/m2; p<0.001). Similarly, BMD was statistically significant between female athletes (1.255±0.113 g/cm2, 0.915-1.533 g/cm2) and active females (1.225±0.106 g/cm2, 0.884-1.508 g/cm2; p=0.040). Quartiles for FFMI were (Q1-Q4) 15.3-17.7 kg/m2 for female athletes and 14.4-16.3 kg/m2 for active females. BMD quartiles were: 1.191-1.333 g/cm2 for female athletes compared to active females: 1.144-1.295 g/cm2. CONCLUSION: FFMI and BMD values were statistically different and clinically meaningful between elite female athletes and active women. The variability demonstrated in both FFMI and BMD among active and elite females provides evidence of the need for more meaningful body composition normative data for active females. Establishing normative FFMI and BMD data for active and elite female athletes will better support injury prevention and more effective exercise and nutritional programming.

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